Current distributer and timer.



' To 5mm PLUGS.

on sumac,

J. M. SMITH.

CURRENT DISTRIBUTE-B. AND TIMER.

APPLIOATION FILED Juhls mos.

950,706. Patented Mar. 1, 1910.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

GROUND 0N ENGINE CASTING.

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6Z&m Y 7 5m 9 M M ATTORNEYS.

J. M. SMITH. CURRENT DISTRIBUTER AND TIMER. APPLICATION nun JAN. 1s, 1909.

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f/y W M ATTORNEYS J. M. SMITH. CURRENT DISTRIBUTED. AND TIMER.

APPLIOATION rum) JAN. 13, 1909.

950,706. I Patented Mar. 1, 1910.

8 SEEETSSHEBT 3.

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UNITED- STATES-PATENT OFFICE. JAMES M. SMITH, 0E PHILA I DELP HIA, PENNS YLVANIA, ASSIGNQR-YOE ONZEt-HALF TO WILSON D. CRAIG WRIGHT, OF PHILADELPHIA,' PENNSYLVANIA.

- 'To all itmay concern:

CURRENT DISTRIBUTER AND TIMER.

-Beiit known that I,JAMES M. SMITH, a citizen of the United States, residing at a Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Current Distributers and Timers; and I do hereby declare the following to bea full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such aswill enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to'the accompanyvmg drawings, and to characters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification The present invention relates, generally, to improvements in ignition systems for explosive-gas-engines; and, the present invention has reference, more particularly, to a novel construction ofcombination timing, dlstrlbutmg and spark-coil apparatus, for

' controlling an electric current, to intermittently make and break the electric circuit thereof, and successively connect the sparking terminals or devices of a number of engine-cylinders .with the proper circuit of a said spark-coil, to thereby successively ignite time-relation tothe movement of the di eror explode the charges of the explosive medium within the explosion-chambers of a multi-cylinder engine.

- My present invention has for its principal object to provide a novel, simple and compact mechanism of the general ',.character erem-above set forth, "adapted to be so geared with the main shaft of an explosiveengine, that its parts operate in pro er ent pistons within the cylinder-chambers,

and in so doing properly time and distribute theelectric current successively to the spark- A further object of the present invention is to provide a compact arrangement of timer, distributer and spark-coil, which form the chief elements of the ignition system, and are arranged so as'to be easily accessible for repairs, and for adjustment and therewith a single spark coil,"whereby .the

electric energy generated in said coil may be properly timed, so as to proi ide said Specification of Letters Patent. {I Application filed January 13, 1909. Serial No. 472,098.

vention is to provide such a novel arrangement of mountin ism, that the weig t of the apparatus is carspecification.

r compactly,"

Patented Mar. 1, 1910,

trical energyat moments when the same is needed, to ignite the explosive charges in the engine-cylinders, but breaking the circuit when the electrical energy is not needed, so that a great saving of battery-energy, which is the primary source of said electrical energy, is obtained; and, furthermore, the

.mec'h'amsm is adapted to distribute succes- "sively, at proper intervals, the electrical energy of said coil to a plurality of sparking-terminals or-devices upon the explosiveengine.

A still further object ofmy present mand operating mechanried by a main driving spindle,'adapted to plosive-en "ne, whereas' the distributer and timer-sha or spindle is separate and-independent of said main driving sp ndle, carry mg only its own weight and thus assuring ositive contacts and o eration and preventmg objectionable wa bling or vibration which interferes with a proper and satisfactory operation of the timer and 'distnbuter mechanism.-

'- Other objects of the present be geared with the main shaft of said exinvention not i at this time more artioularly enumerated 'willbe clearly evi ent from the following detailed descrlption of my presentinvention.

With the variousdobjects of my present invention in view, the same consists, primarily, in the novel combination spark-coil, timer and distributer hereinafter set forth; and, vthe invention consists furthermore, in the novel arrangements and combinations of devices and parts, as well as in the details of the construction of the same, all of which will be more fully described in the following specification, and then finally embodied in the clauses of the claim which are appended to and which form The invention is. clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top' view ofthe novel combian essential part of this 7 electrical connections and circuits. -Fig. 2 T I coil, timer and distributer. Fig. 3 is an end jis aside elevation of said combination sparl;--

5-5 in said Fig. 3, and looking in the'direction of the arrow y. Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail vertical section taken on line 6-6, in

said Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a similar enlarged detail vertical section taken onv line 7-7, in said Fi 5. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail longitudinal sectlon taken on line 88 in said Fig. 3.

Similar characters of reference are employed in all of the above described views,

to indicate corresponding parts.

Referring now to the several figures of the drawings, the reference-character 1 1ndicates a cylindrical body-portion or shellformed with an end wall 2. This said bodyportion or shell is further provided with an internal off-set or shoulder 3 upon which is arranged, as a base therefor, a tubular member or casing 4, preferably composed of some material which is a non-conductor of electricity. Arranged upon the outer or free end of said tubular member or casing is a cover-member 5, which is provided with an annular flange 5 adapted t6 be fitted over the outer peripheral edges of said tubular member or casing, in the manner of a boxcover. The said cylindrical body-portion 1, the tubular member or casing 4 and the said cover-member 5, are bound or secured together by means of bolts 6, the heads 7 of which bear against the outer surface of the end-wall 2, and the screw-threaded ends of which pro ect through the said cover-member 5 and receive the binding or holding nuts 8. The end-wall 2 of said cylindrical body-portion or shell 1 is provided with a tubular hub 9, and said wall2 is further provided with a hole or perforation 10 concentricall located in alinement with the opening of said tubular hub 9. Rotatably arranged within said tubular hub 9 is an arbor 11 which is provided with a receiving recess or -socket 12 in which is secured by means of a set-screw 13 one end of a main driving spindle 14, the same being adapted to be connected by gearing, orin any other suitable manner, to the main shaft of an explosive-engine. The said arbor 11 is provided with a reduced portion 15 adapted to pass through said hole or opening 10 and penetrates slightly into the interior of the casing. Secured upon the end of said re- .duced portion 15 by means of a screw 16,

and a locking key 17, or in any other suitable manner, is a gear-wheel 18, The, said wall 2 of said cylindrical body-portion or shell l 1 is furtherv provided with another tubular hub 19,.and arranged within the same is a suitable sleeve 20. Rotatably arranged withviously mentioned gear-wheel 18. The inner surface of said elongated hollow hub 21 is provided with a longitudinally extending channel or groove 23, and secured upon tlH' outer end of said hollow hub 21, by means of a locking screw 24, is a collar 25 which adapted to retain the said hollow hub 21 and its gear-wheel 22 in proper rotative arrangement with said sleeve 20 and tubular hub 19. Slidably arranged within said elongated hollow hub 21 of said gear-wheel 22 is a sleeve 26, the same being provided upon its outer surface with a longitudinal rib or projection 27 adapted to dove-tail into said channel or groove 23 of said hollow hub 2i. so as to impart the rotary movement of said hollow hub 21 to said sleeve 26, while still retaining its sliding relation therewith. The said sleeve 26 is still further provided with a cain-shaped-groove or opening 28. Arranged within this sleeve 26 is a spindle or shaft 29 which is provided with a stud 30, this stud being adapted to be operatively engaged by said cam-shaped groove or opening 28 in said sleeve 26. Arranged upon the free end of the said spindle or shaft 29 is a sleeve 31, and arranged upon this sleeve 31 is a hub 32 which is provided with a camshaped shoulder 33 having a series of depressions or recesses 34 upon its outer surface. The said sleeve 31 and hub 32 are rigidly secured upon said shaft -or spindle 29 by means of a locking screw Connected with the end of said sleeve 31, and preferably forming an integral part thereof, is a cup-like receiving socket or recess 36, adapted to receive the reduced end 37 of a cylindrical contact-carrier 38, said carrier being composed of asuitable material which is a non-conductor of electricity. Thesaid contactcarrier 38 is rigidly secured within said receiving socket or recess 36, by means of a pin 39, which passes transversely through the walls of said receiving so cket or recess 36 and said reduced portion or end 37. Arranged upon said contact-carrier 38, and preferably counter-sunk in its surface, is a longitudinally extending contact-bar or bridge 40, secured in place by means of pins 41, or in any other suitable manner. Secured upon said contact-carrier 38, by means of set-screws 42 so as to be in contact with said contact-bar or bridge 40, are a pair of ringlike members 43, each member being provided with'a fan-shaped contact making and breaking member 44: upon the free end of which is a contact-shoe 45. These fanshaped contact making and breaking ment bers 44 are arranged in such a manner so that they extend diametrically in opposite directions with relation to the axis of said contact-carrier 38. Secured upon the free end of the contact-carrier 38, by means of the transverselyextending pin 47,and in contact with said contact-bar or bridge 40, is a metal cap 46. This said cap 46 is provided with a centrally disposed stud or jour nal 48 which is rotatably arranged in a bearing-member 49, the latter being supported by a bracket-piece 50, secured by means ofthe stud 30 of the-shaft 29; and, owing to the shape of said cam-groove, the action upon the said stud will shift or turn the said shaft 29 slightly in its relation to said sleeve 26. This movement is desirable in order to shift or arrange the position of the.

said fan-shaped members 44 and their contact-shoes 45, so that the time of contact with the contact-members to be subsequently described with relation to the movement of the piston in theengine-cylinders, will be advanced orv retarded, as may be desired, and consequently the sparks at the sparkingterminals or devices may be subject to advancement or retardation with relation to the movement of the pistons in said enginecylinders.- The means for moving orsliding. the said sleeve 26, for the above purposes, comprises the following mechanism:-The' reference-character 52 indicates a. plug, one end of'which is adapted to be inserted in the outer end of the sleeve 26 and is secured therein by means of a transversely extend-f 'ing pin 53. This plug 52'is provided with a flanged end 54, arranged so'asto leave a space or channel between the flange thereof and the end of saidsleeve '26. Arranged within saidspace or channel is a ring-shaped member which swivels upon said plug 52, and secured toithis ring-shaped member 55, by means of screws 56, is a cap-piece 57 which is provided .at its outer end with a pair of perforated lugs 01' ears 58. a

The reference character 59 indicates a pedestal-member 59 provided with a pair of oppositely extending and perforated lugs-60,

' through which pass holding-screws 61, for

securing said pedestal-member to the outer side of the end-wall2 of the main body-portion or shell I. The said pedestal-member is further provided at itsfree end with a pair of perforated lugs or ears 62, between which as afulcrum is pivoted upon a pintle 63, a lever or member 64, one end of which is pivotally connected between the.

, lugs or cars 58 of'said cap-piece 57 witha pivot or pintle 66. The other'end 67 of said lever or member 64 is pivotally'con;

nected with an o crating rod 68.

"The saidtubu ar member or casing 4 is providedv with a plurality of contact-members, the same comprising a tubular-portion or sleeve 69'which is provided with an a11- ular flange 70, said sleeve being formed with an externally screw-threaded portion 71 and an internally enlarged portion 72. A chambered or hollow nut-shaped body 73 is screwed upon said externally screw-threaded portion 71, against a washer or nut 74 arranged upon said sleeve or portion 69. The said'nut-shaped body 73 is provided with a screw-threaded shank 75 upon which are .screwed a pair of binding-nuts 76 and 77, all of which form a binding-post, as will be clearly evident. The inner end of said tubu lar-portion or sleeve 69 is provided with a. cup-shaped perforated end .78 in which arranged a contact-ball 79, a coiled spring 80 being employed to hold said contact-ball in a proper position so as to make contact with one of said contact-shoes 45 of said fansliaped contact making and breaking members 44, when the same passes in front of said contact-ball- 79. These said c0ntact' members are arranged in an upper and lower bankfftwo in a bank, and the axes of said contact-members intersect the. axis of said contact carrier'38 preferably at right. angles, and the angle between said contact member is preferably ninety degrees or approximatelyso. This arrangement of sa dcontact-members insures a proper contact between a single one of the same and a contactshoe 45',- at every quarter of a revolution of .said contact carrier 38, and also insures the contact by one of said contactshoes 45 of each contact-member, successively, or in other words one after the other. Secured in any suitable manner to the inner side of the wall 2 of said main body or shell 1 is a plate 81, the'same being insulated from' electrical contact with said wall 2 by means of a plate ofinsulating naterial 8,2. Arranged upon the plate 81 1s a supporting member 83 which adjustably 11o supports a contact-screw 84, the shank o which passes through said main body or shell 1, and is insulated therefrom, and terminates upon the outer side of said shell 1, in a head '85, adapted to be used in manipulating said contact-screw 84 for the purpose of adjusting the same." Suitably secured to the inner side of the said wall-2 vis a :post 86, and ivotally secured thereon by means of aretaining nut 87 is a hub 88 of a contact-making and breaking-element. Extendin from the said hub 88 is anarm .89 which 1s adapted to be brought in contact with theendof the contact-screw 84. ,A; second arm 90 extends from said hub 88, said arm being made with a bifurcated or yoke-sha ed end 91 across whichextends a pin or p tle 92 upon which is mounted a roller. 93 Suitably secured on said wall 2 ice socketed :post 94 in which is secured a 1 coiled spring 95, said spring having a portioirextending from said socketed post and engaging with the sides of the arms 90, so

means of a longitudinally extending partition or member 97. Secured to the inner side of said longitudinal partition or member 97,-by means of screws 98, or the like, is a bracket-portion 99 forming part of a spark-coil 100. The wire 101 of the sec ondary winding of said spark-coil is secured between the head 102 of a screw 103,-and a washer 104, the shank of said'screw 103 passing through longitudinal partition or member 97, and a contact-bridge or conductor 105 is secured upon said screw 103 by means of a nut 106, the free end of said contact-bridge or conductor 105 engaging with the bracket-piece 50, and thereby passing the secondary current of said spark-coil through the intervenin metal parts into the contact-shoes 45, as -w1ll be clearly evident from an inspection of Fig. 3 of the drawings. One of the wires 107 of the primary winding of said spark-coil is secured'to a contact-plate 108. The said contact-plate 108 is placed upon the under side of one of said semi-circular portion members 96, and is held in' place by means of a screw 109 which passes through saidwartition-member 96, and has arranged upon the free end thereof a nut 110 and washer111, between which the said-wire 107 is secured.

Arranged in a suitable perforation or hole I in said wall 2 of the main body-portion or shell 1 is a socketed element or sleeve 112, which is insulated from said wall 2, by means of a collar and washer 113, of a suitable material which isanon-conductor of electricity. The said socket-ed element or sleeve 112' is provided with an annularflange 114, an externally screvw-threaded part 115, and an internally enlarged'portion 116. A chambered or hollow nut-shaped body 117 is screwed upon said externally screw-threaded part 115, against a screw-threaded washer 118, the said nut-shaped body 117 being provided with a screw-threaded shank 119 upon which is arranged a pair of binding nuts 120 and 121, and between which is secured a wire or electrical-conductor 122 leading from one pole of-a battery 123. Arranged in the internally enlarged portion 116 of the sleeve 112, is the head 124 of a contact-pin or plug 125, a coiled-spring 126 being em loyed to force the vfree end of said contaea pin or plug 125, in constant contact with the above-; described contact-plate 108 as illustrated more particularly in Fig. (3 of H10 drawings, andthereby making one of the battery connection with the primary circuit of said spark-coil 100. The other wire 127 of the primary circuit of said spark-coil 100 is seecured between a pair of washers 128 and 129, which are arranged upon a screw 130. This screw 130 passes through said longitudinal partition or member 97 and serves to secure upon the outer side thereof a contact-plate 131, as well as to make electrical contact therewith. The contact-plate is further secured by means of a second screw 132, and said contact-plate is provided with an outwardly extending lug or projection 133. The said plate 81 is secured at one end by means of a screw-shank 134 which passes through the wall 2 of said main b0dyportion or shell 1, but is insulated therefrom by means of an insulating collar and washer 135, a nut 136 being screwed upon the free end of said.screwthreaded shank 134 for binding the same in its holding engagement. The said screw-threaded shank 134 is provided at its inner end with a hollow nutshaped member 137 formed with an internal screw-thread 138. Screwed to said nutshaped member, by means of said screwthread 138, is a screw-threaded sleeve 139 which is provided with an internally enlarged portion 140, and arrangedin this internally enlarged portion 140 is the head 141 of a contact-pin or plug 142, a coiled rin l43-bein em loyed to force the same P e :5 P

in constant contact with the end or projection 133 of said contact-plate 131, as illustrated more particularly in Fig 7 of the drawings, thereby carrying the primary cir-' cuit of said spark-coil 100 to said contactscrew 84 and closing the primary circuit through said make and break device, the engine-shaft and easing as aground, which is indicated in Fig. 1 of the drawings by the reference-character 144, and thence by a wire or electrical conductor 145 through a cutoff which said nuts form a part, are the wires or electrical conductors 147, which serve to conduct the secondary current of said sparkcoil 100 to the several sparking terminals or devices arranged in the respective enginecylinders. The sparking terminals are grounded in the usual manner within the cylinder casting, and thesecondary current is completed with the battery 23 throughthe engine-ground 144 and wire or conductor 145.

Having thus des ri bed the general construction of the com ined timer, distributer and spark-coil embodying the principles of the present invention, I will now briefly set forth its use and opera Fina in connection with the battery 123.

switch 146, when desired, to the other pole The electric current starting from the battery enters the primary circuit of the spark coil 100, as above described, and thence passes to the contact;screw- 84.

As the shaft 29 1s revolved, the make and break devloeabove described is operated, and when the rollercontact-scre\\-' 84, whereby the primary circuit of said coillOO is closed through the ground 144 and the 'circuit-Wire-145. The primary circuit being thus-completed, the secondary current of the coil is excited and the currentso generated passes in the manner above described to a contact sleeve upon said contact-carrier 38. The moment the primary circuit is closed or completed, the contact-carrier 38 which is practically a part of the shaft. 29. inasmuch as it revolves simultaneously therewith, brings in contact with a contact baH 79 of oneof the above described contact-member, one of the said contact-shoes 45, and thereby passes the secondary current through said contact member and electrical conductor 147 'con-' nected therewith to a sparking-terminal or device in one of the engine-cylinders, generating at that time a spark, and igniting the explosive charge in said engine-cylinder, as wilt-be clearly evident, and so on, as the make and break intermittently closes the prin'iary circuit. of said spark-coil 100, the

secondary-circuit is completed successively through each one ofthe said contact-members and the-sparking terminals or devices of a plurality-of engine-cylinders.

From the foregoing description it will be clearly evident, that I have produced a novel, compact and efficient apparatus for timing and distributing and controlling an electrical current for the purpose of operating the ignition systein of an internal combustion or explosive-engine, having a' plurality of cylinders, but it will be re'adlly undeistood'that varidus changes may be made-in thez general arrangements and combinations of the devicesand parts,- Without in any way departing from the scope of my present invention, as set forth in the foregoing specification, and as defined in the claims which-are appended-thereto. Hence I do not. limit my present invention to the exact arrangements and combinations of devices and parts as set forth in the said specific ation, nor do I cpnfine myself to the exact details of the constructicn-of the said parts as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

1 A current-distributer and timer for the ignition system of explos'ive-engines comprising a casing, an I arbor rotatively' arranged in said casin Ya gear:wheel upon said arbor, a gear -w eel provided v w th a hollow hub rotatively arranged in said cas to be maintained inrolling contact with the peripheral surface-portions and depressions f tributing, mechanism on said arbor,

ing and adapted .to mesh with the gearwheel on said arbor, a sleeve slidably arranged in said hollow hub and adapted to rotate therewith, a shaft or spindle connected with said sleeve'and adapted to r 7o tate therewith, a make and break devic within said casing, means connected with said shaft or spindle for operating the same, a current distributing mechanism within said casing, a spark-coil arranged within said casing, and means for connecting electrically the said spark-coil with the said make and break device and said distributing mechanism, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.-

2; A 'current-distributer and timer forthe ignition system of explosive-engines comprisin' a-casing, an arbor rotatively arrange in said casing, a gear-wheel upon said arbor, a gear-wheel provided w'th a hollow hub rotatively arranged in sai casing and ada ted to mesh' with the gearwheel on sai arbor, a sleeve slidably'arranged in said hollow huband adapted to rotate therewith, a shaft or spindle connected with said sleeve and adapted to rotate therewith, a hub secured! upon said shaft or spindle, a cam-shaped shoulder u on said hub provided "with a plurality oi depressions therein, a metal supporting member secured within said casing, an adjustable contact-screw mounted in sa1d supporting member, a post mounted within said casing, a contact-making and breaking device pivoted upon said. post, comprising a pair of arms, one of which is adapted to make contact with said contact-screw, a roller carried by the other arm, adapted of said cam'-shoulder,a current distributing mechanism. within said casing, apartltlonmember arranged within said casing, a. spark-coil supported by said partition-member, and means for electrically connecting said spark-coil with the supporting member of said contact-screw and w1th said dis- 4 substantially as and for the purposes set iorth.

3. A current-distributer and timer for the.

ignition system of explosive-engines comprisin a casing, an arbor rotatively arin. said casing, a gear-wheel upon sai arbor, agear-wheel prov1ded with a hollow hubrotatively arranged in said casing and adapted to mesh with the gear-wheel a sleeve slrdably arranged in said hollow hub and adapted to rotate therewith, a shaft or spindle connected with sand .sle'eve, andadapted to rotate therewith, a hub secured upon said shaft or spindle, a

cam-shaped shoulder upon said hub providedwith a plurality of depressions therein, ametal supporting member secured within I said casing, an adjustable contact-screw mounted in said supporting member, a post mounted within said casing, a contactmak-- ing and breaking device pivoted upon said post, comprising a pair of arms, one of which is adapted to make contact with said contact-screw, a roller carried by the other arm, ada ted to be maintained in rolling contact wlth the peripheral surface-portions and depressions of said cam-shoulder, a current distributing mechanism within said casing, a pair of semicircularly formed supporting members, a.- partition -'meinber mounted upon said supporting members and arranged within said casing, a spark-coil supported by said partition-member, means for electrically connecting said spark-coil with the supporting member of said contactscrew and with said distributing mechanism, means for connecting the primary winding of said spark-coil with a battery, comprising a socketed element connected with said casing, a binding-post connected therewith, in-

' sulating collars for electrically separating -der, a

said socketed element and said from said casing, a spring-controlled contact-plug within said socketed element, a contact-plate secured to one of said semicircularly formed supporting members adapted to receive the contact of said contact-plug, and means for connecting a primary wire of said spark coil to sald contactplate, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

4. A current-distributer and timer i or the ignition system of explosive-engmes comprising a casing, an arbor rotatively arranged in said casing, a gear-wheel upon said arbor, a gear-Wheel provided with a hollow hub rotatively arranged in said casing and adapted to mesh with. the gearwheel on said arbor, a sleeve slidably arranged in said hollow hub and adapted to rotate therewith, a shaft or spindle connected with said sleeve and adapted to rotate therewith, a hub secured upon said shaft or spindle, a cam-shaped shoulder upon said hub provided with a plurality of depressions therein, a metal supporting member secured within said casing, an adjustable contact-screw mounted in sald supporting memher, a post mounted within said casing, a contact-making and breaking device pivoted upon said post, comprising a pair of arms, one of which is adapted to make contact with said contact-screw, a roller carried by the other arm, adapted to be maintained in rolling contact with the peripheral surfaceportions and depressions of said cam-shoulpartition-member arranged within said casing, a spark-coil supported by said partition-member, means for connecting the primary winding oi said spark-coil with said supporting memb'Jr comprising a s with said sar 2- of said contact-screw, cal e ment connected ?:,-;,1s--er a spring-eonbinding-post trolled contact-plug within said sock'eted ele ment,-a contact-plate secured to said partisaid contact-plug, means forcconnecting the tact-plate, a current distributing mechanism within said casing, and means for electrically connecting the same with said spark-coil, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

5. A current-distributer and timer for the ignition systems of explosive engines comprising a casing, an arbor rotatively arranged in said casing, a gear-wheel upon said arbor, hollow hub rotatively arranged in said casing and adapted to mesh with the gearwheel 011 said arbor, a sleeve slidably arranged in said hollow hub and adapted to nected with said sleeve and adapted to retate therewith, a hub secured upon said shaft or spindle, a cam-shaped shoulder provided with a plurality of depressions therein, a

said casing, an adjustable contact screw mounted in said supporting member, a postmounted within said casing, a contaet1nak ing and breaking device pivoted upon said is adapted to make contact with said contactscrew, and means upon the other arm in engagement with said cam-shaped shoulder, a current-distributing mechanism vwithin said to and revolved by said shaft or spindle but electrically insulated therefrom, a pair of distributing fan-shaped members provided with contact-shoes mounted on said contactranged in said casing adapted to be succes sively engaged by said contact-shoes, binding-posts connected with said contact-mem bers, a spark-coil arranged within said cassaid spark-coil with said make and break device and with said distributing mechanism,.substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

ignition systems of explosive engines comprism a casing, an arbor rotatively arrange in said casing, a gear-wheel upon said arbor, a gear-wheel provided with a ing and adapted to mesh with the gcan-Wheel on said arbor, a sleeve slidably arranged in said hollow hub and adapted to rotate therewith, a shaft or spindle connected with said tion-member,adapted to receive the conta ct of primary wire of said spark-coil to said con a gear-wheel provided with a rotate therewith, a. shaft or spindle eonmetal supporting member secured within post, comprising a pair of arms, one of which 9 casing, comprising a contact-carrier secured carrier, a plurality of contact-members-aring, and means for connecting electrically 6. A current-distributer and timer for the hollow hub rotatively arranged in said 0215- sleeve and adapted to rotate therewith, a

an adjustable contact screw mounted in said 13;

sup orting member, a 0st mounted within said casing, a contact aking and breaking device 'voted upon said post, com rising a pair of arms, one of which is a apted to make contact with said contact-screw, and means upon the other arm in engagement with said cam-shaped shoulder, a currentdistributing mechanism within said casing, comprising a contact-carrier secured to and revolved by said shaft or spindle but electrically insulated therefrom, a pair of distributing fan-shaped members rovided with contact-shoes mounted on sai contact-carrier, a plurality of contact: members arranged in said casing adaptedto be successively engaged by said contact-shoes, binding-posts connected with said contact-members, a spark-coil arranged within said hasing, means for connecting electrically'said spark-coil with said make and break device and with said distributing mechanism, and means for controlling or adjusting said distributing mechanism to advance or retard the'time'of distribution of the electrical current in relation to the operation of the engine-pistons, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

7. A curre nt-distributer and timer for the ignition systems of explosive engines com: prising a casing, an arbor rotatively arranged in -said casing, a gear-wheel upon said arbor, a gear-wheel provided with a hollow hub rotatively arrangedin said casing and adapted to mesh withthe gear-wheel on said arbor, a sleeve slidably'arranged in said hollow hub and adapted to rotate therewith, a shaft or spindle connected with said sleeveand adapted to rotate therewith, ahub secured upon said shaft or spindle, a cam-shaped shoulder provided with a plurality of depressions therein, a metal supporting membersecured within said casing, anadjustable-contact screw mounted in said supporting member, a post mounted within said casing, a contact-making and breaking device pivoted upon said post, comprising a pair'of arms, one of which is adapted to make contact with said contact-screw, and

means upon the other arni'in engagement" with said cam-shaped shoulder, a currentdistrlbutingmechanism within said casing,

- comprising a contact carrier secured to and revo ved by said shaft or spindle, a pair of distributing fan-shaped -members provided with contact-shoes mounted on said contactcarrier, a plurality of contact-mem'bersarranged in said casing, adapted to besuccessively engaged bysaid contact-shoes, binding-posts connected with said contact-members, a spark-coil arranged within said casing, means for connecting electrically said spark-coil with said make and break device andwlth said distributing mechanism, and

means for controlling or adjusting said distrlbuting mechanism toadvance or retard the time of distribution of the electrical current in relation to the operation of the eugine-pistons, comprising 'the provision in said sleeve of a cam-shaped groove, a stud on said shaft or spindle engaging said camshaped groove, and means for sliding back and forth said s1eeve, compr1s1nga swiveling cap-piece secured to said sleeve, a pedestal-member mounted on said casing, and a -lever pivotally mounted on said pedestal-" member, one end of said lever being pivotally secured to, said swiveling cap-piece,

substantially'as and forthe purposes set forth.

8. A current-distributer and timer for the ignition system of, explosive-engines comprising a casing, an arbor rotatively arranged in said casing, a gear-wheel upon said arbor, a gear-wheel provided with a hollow hub rotatively arranged in said cass ing and adapted to riish with the gearwheel on said arbor, ranged in said hollow hub and adapted to rotate therewith,'a shaft or spindle connected with said sleeve and adapted to rotate therewith, a hub secured to said shaft or spindle, a cam-shaped shoulder u on said-hub, pro: vided with a plurality of epressions therein, a metal supporting member secured Within said casing, an adjustable contactscrew.

mounted in said supporting member, a post mounted within said casing, a contact-making and breaking device pivotedupon said post, -comprising a pair of arms, 'one'of which is adapted to make contact with said contactfscrew, a roller carried by the other arm,

sleeve 'slidably aradapted to be maintained in rolling contact with the peripheral surface-portions and depresslons of said cam-shaped shoulder, a

partition-member arranged within said cas ing, a spark-coil supported by said partition- 1 member, means for connecting the primary winding of said spark-coil with said sup- -portin'g'g member of said contact-screw, comprising a socketed element connected with said supporting-member, a spring-controlled contact-plug within said socketed element, a

contact-plate secured to said partition-member, adapted to receive the contact of said Y contact-plug, means for connecting the primary wiring of said spark-coil to said contact-plate, a current distributing mechanism, comprising a contact-carrier secured to and revolved by said shaft or spindle, a metallic journal upon the end of said contact carrier, a bearing bracket secured to said casing andisupporting said journal, a contact-bar connected with said journal, fanshaped-members secured'upon said contactcarrier in contact with said contact-bar, contact shoeson said fan-shape'd members, contact-members arranged in, said casing, each comprising a socketed element, binding-posts connected therewith, and spring-controlled contact-balls arranged in said socketed'eleshaped members with the secondary wires of said spark-coil, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

9. A current-distribnter and timer for the ignition system of explosive-engines comprising a casing, an arbor. rotatively arranged in said casing, a gear-wheel upon said arbor, a gear-wheel provided with a hollow hub rotatively arranged in said casing and adapted to mesh with the gearwheel on said arbor, a sleeve slidably arranged in said hollow hub and adapted to rotate. therewith, a shaft or spindle connected with said sleeve and adapted to rotate therewith, a hub secured to said shaft or spindle, a cam-shaped shoulder upon said. hub,.provided with a plurality of depressions therein, a metal supporting member secured within said casing, an adjustable contact-screw mounted in said supporting member, a post.

mounted within said casing, a contact-making and breaking devicepivoted upon said post, comprising a pair of arms, one of which .is adapted to make contact with said eontactsscrew, a roller carried by the other arm, adapted to be maintained in rolling contact with the peripheral surface-portions and depressions of said cam-shaped shoulder, a partition-member arranged within. said casing, a spark-coil supported by said partitionmember, means for connecting the primary winding of said spark-coil with said sup porting member of said contact-screw, comprising a socketed element connected with said supporting-member,a sprin -controlled contact plug within said sockete element, a contact-plate secured to said partition-member, adapted to receive the contact of said contactplug, means for connecting the primary wiring of said sparkcoil to said contact-plate, a current distributing mechanlsm, comprising a contact-carrier secured to and revolved by said shaft or spindle, a:

metallic journal upon the end of said contactcarrier, a bearing-bracket secured to said casing and supporting said journah'a contact-bar connected with said journal, fanshaped members secured upon said contactcarrier in contachwith said contact-bar, contact shoes on said fan-shaped members, contact-members arranged in said casing, each comprising a socketed element, bindingposts connected therewith, and spring-controlled contact-balls arranged in said socketed elements, and means for connecting said fan-shaped members with the secondary wires of said spark-coil, comprising a contact-bridge secured to said partition-member, the free end' thereof bearing upon the said bearing-bracket, and means for connecting said secondary wiring of said sparkcoil to said contact-bridge, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

10. A current-distributer and timer for the ignition system of explosive-engines comprising a casing, an arbor rotatively arranged in said casing, a gear-wheel upon said arbor, a gear-wheel provided with a hollow hub rotativcly arranged in said casing and adapted to mesh with the gear-wheel on said arbor, a sleeve slidably arranged in said 1101- low hub and adapted to rotate therewith, a shaft or spindle connected with said'sleeve and adapted to rotate therewith, a hub se cured to said shaft or spindle, a cam-shaped shoulder upon said hub, provided with a plurality of depressions therein, a metal supporting member secured within said casing, an adjustable contact-screw mounted in said supporting member, a post mounted within said casing, a contact-making and breaking device pivoted upon said post, comprising a pair of arms, one of which is adapted to make contact with said contact -screw, a roller carried by the other arm, adapted to be maintained in rolling contact with the peripheral surface-portions and depressions of said cam-shaped shoulder, a pair of semicircularly formed supporting members, a partition -member mounted upon said supporting members and arranged within said casing, a spark-coil supported by said partition-member, means for connecting the primary winding of said spark-coil with said supporting member of said contact-screw, comprising a socketed element connected with said supporting-member,- a spring-controlled contact-plug within said socketed element, a contact-plate secured to said par tition-member, adapted to receive the contact of said contact-plug, means for connecting the primary wiring of said spark-coil to said contact -plate, a current distributing mechanism, comprising a contact-carrier secured to and revolved by said shaft or spindle, a metallic journal upon the end of said contact-carrier, a bearing-bracket secured to said casing and supporting said journal, a contact-bar connected with said journal, fanshaped members secured upon said contactcarrier in contact with said contact-bar, contact shoes on said fan-shaped members, contact-members arranged in said casing, each comprising a socketed element, binding-posts eted-element and said bllllllllg post from s connecting the primary wire of said spark-,-

coil to said contact-plate, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

11. A current-distributer and timer for -the ignition system of explosive-engines comprising a casing, an arborrotatively arranged in said casing, a gear-wheel upon said arbor, a gear-wheel provided with a hollow hub rotatively arranged. in'said casing and adapted to mesh with the gearwheel on said arbor, a sleeve slidably arranged ins'aid hollow hub and adapted to rotate therewith, a shaft or spindle connected .with'said sleeve and adapted to rotate therewith, a hub secured to said shaft or spindle, a cam-shaped shoulder u on said of said s ark-coil to said contact-plate, a.

hub, provided with a plurality o depressions therein, a metal supporting member secured Within said casing, an adjustable contact-screw mounted in said supporting member, a post mountedwithin said casing, a contact-making and breaking device pivoted upon said post; comprising a air of arms, one of which is adapted to ma e contact with said contact-screw, a roller carried by the other arm, adapted to be maintained in rolling contact with the peripheral surface-portions and depressions of said camshaped shoulder, a partition-member arranged within said casing, a spark-cpil sup ported by said partition member, ineans for connecting the primary winding of said spark-coil'with said supporting member of said contact-screw, comprising a socketed element connected with said supportingmember, a springcontrolled contact-plug within said socketed element, a contact-plate secured to said partition-member, ada ted to receive the contact of said contact-p ug, means for connecting theprimary wiring current distributing mechanism, comprisin a contact-carrier secured to and revolve by said shaft or s indle, a'metallic' journal upon the end of said contact-carrier, a bearing-bracket secured to said casing and sup-' porting said journal, a contact-bar connected with said journal, 'fan-shapedmembers secured upon said contact-carrier in contact with said contact-bar, contact shoes on said fan-shaped members, contact-members arran din said casin each com risin a socketed element, binding-posts connected "therewith, and' spring-controlled contactballs arranged in sald socketed elements, eans for controlling 'or adjusting said distributing mechanism to advance or retard the time of distribution of the electrical current in relation to the operation of theengine-pistons, comprising the provision in said sleeve of a cam-shaped groove, a stud on said shaft or spindle engaging said camsha'ped groove, a means for sliding back and forth said sleeve, comprising a swiveling cap-piece secured to said sleeve, a; pedestalmember mounted on said casmg, and a lever hollow hub rotatively arranged in said casiug and adapted to 1 sh with the gearwheel on said arbor, a sleeve shdably arranged in said hollow hub and adapted to rotate therewith, ashaft or spindle connected with said sleeve and adapted to rotate therewith, .a. hub secured to said shaft or spindle, a cam-shaped shoulder upon said hub, provided with a plurality of depressionstherein, a metal supporting member securedwithm said easing, an adjustable contact-screw mounted member, a post mount (1 within said casing, a contact-making and reaking device pivoted upon said post, comprising a pair of arms, one of which is adapted to ma (econin said supporting V pivotally mounted on said pedestal-member. v

one end of said lever being pivotally secured by the other arm, adapted to be maintained 'in rolling contact with the peripheral surface-portions and depressions of said can1- shaped shoulder, a pair of semi-circularly formed, supporting members, a partition" member mounted upon said supporting members and arranged within said casing,

a spark-coil supported by said partition-member, meansfor connecting the primary windingof said spark-coil with said supporting member of said contact-screw, comprising porting member, a spring-controlled, contact? 'plug within said socketedfelement, a contact plate secured to vsaid partition-member, adapted to receive the contact of said contact-plug, means for connecting the primary wiring of said spark-coil to. said contactplate, a current distributing mechanism comprising a contact-carrier secured to and resaid fan-shaped members, contact-members arranged insaid casing, each comprising a socketed element, binding-posts connected therewith, andspring-controlled contacttact with said contact-bar, contact shoes on 110 a socketed element connected with said supposes set forth. 1

' or spindle, a cam shaped shoulder upon said I hub, provided with a plurality of depres-' balls arranged in said socketed elements, means for controlling orvadjusting said distributing mechanism to advance or retard the time of distribution of the electrical currentv in relation to the operation of the engine-pistons, comprising the provision in i said sleeve of a cam-shaped groove, a stud on said shaft or spindle engaging said camshaped groove, a means for sliding back and forth said sleeve comprising a swiveling cappiece se'curedto said sleeve, a pedestal-member mounted on said casin and a lever pivotally mounted on said pe estal-member, one end of said lever being pivotally secured to said swiveling cap-piece, and means for connecting said fan-shaped members with the secondary wires of said spark-coil, comprising a contact-bridge having the free end thereof bearing upon the said bearingbracket, and means for connecting said secondary wire of said s ark-coil to said contact-bridge, snbstantia ly as and for the pur- 13. A .cu1-'rent-distributer and timer for the ign tlon system of explosive-engines comprising a casing, an arbor rotatively arranged in said casingya gear-wheel upon sald arbor, a gear-W1 eel provided with a hollow hub rotatively arranged-in said casing and adapted to mesh with the gearwheel on said arbor, a sleeve slidably arranged in said hollow hub and ada ted to rotate therewith, a .shaft' or spind e connected with said sleeve and adapted to rotate therewith, a hub secured to said shaft supported by said partition-member, means Eor'cOnnecting the primary winding of said spark-coil with said supporting member of said contact-screw comprising a socketed element connected with said supportingmember, a spring-controlled contact-plug within said socketed element, a contact-plate secured to said partition-member, adapted to receive the contact of said contact-plug, means for connecting the primary wiring of said spark-coil to said contact-plate, a current distributing mechanism comprising a contact-carrier secured to and revolved by said shaft or spindle, a metallic journal upon the end of said contact-carrier, a bearing bracket secured to said casing and supporting said journal, a contact-bar connected with said journal, fan-shaped members secured upon said contact-carrier in contact with said contact-bar, contact shoes on said fan-shaped members, contact-members arranged in said casing, each comprising a socketed element, binding-posts connected therewith, and spring-controlled contact-balls arranged in said socketed ele ments, means for controlling or adjusting said distributing mechanism to advance or retard the-time of distribution of the electrical current in relation to the operation of the engine-pistons, comprising the provision in said sleeve of a cam-shaped groove, a stud on said shaft or spindle en aging said cam-sha ed groove, a means for s iding back and fort h said sleeve comprising a swiveling capiece'secured to said sleeve, a pedestalmem er mounted on said casing, and a lever pivotally mounted'on said pedestal-member,

- one end of said lever being pivotally secured 'to saidswiveling cap-piece, means for connecting said fan-shaped members with the secondary wiring of said spark-coil, comprising a contact-bridge having, the free end thereof bearing upon the said-bearingbracket, and means for connectin said secondary wiring of said spark-coil to said contact-brid e, means for connecting said spark-coil with a battery, comprising a socketed element connected with said casing,

:a binding-post connected therewith, insulating collars for electrically separating said socketed-element and said binding-post from said casing, a spring-controlled contactplug within said socketed element, a contact-plate adapted to receive the contact of said contact plug, and means for connecting the primary wire of said spark-coil to said contact-plate, substantially as and for the purposes set forth. J

In testimonyfthat I claim the invention set forth above I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of January, 1909.

JAMES M. SMITH. 

